Tracks to try.(Advertisement)

CALIFORNIA

Bear Valley Cross Country

Nestled in the super scenic High Sierra and surrounded by two wilderness areas, Bear Valley Cross Country offers some of the finest striding and skating anywhere! With impeccable grooming, expansive meadows, scenic ridge tops, snowshoeing, sledding, telemarking, backcountry, alpine skiing and lodging within walking distance, Bear Valley offers incredible adventures for everyone. 209/753-2834; www.bearvalleyxc.com.

Kirkwood Cross Country Center

Above all the rest with a base elevation of 7,800 feet and 80 kilometers of machine groomed trails; Kirkwood Cross Country offers the most spectacular scenery and the most exciting terrain in the west. Cross country day lodge, ski school, ski shop and rental department including standard track skis, skate skis, telemark skis and backcountry as well as snowshoes, kick-sleds and pulks. Kirkwood Mountain Resort is a full service destination resort. Lodging: 800/967-7500; Cross country: 209/258-7248; www.kirkwood.com.

Montecito-Sequoia Winter Sports & XC Ski Resort

Ski 85km of groomed trails and miles of marked backcountry trails. PSIA instruction, tours and rentals. Snowshoeing, tubing with handle tow, outdoor spa, children's programs and dog sled rides. Comfortable lodging and delicious meals, mid-week, weekends and holidays. Spectacular location between Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks, CA. 800/227-9900; www.mslodge.com.

Royal Gorge

330km, 90 trails create North America's largest cross country ski area. Spectacular vistas, two interconnect trails, four ski lifts, 10 warming huts, four trailside cafes and two overnight lodges complete this extraordinary resort. P.O. Box 1100 Soda Springs, CA 95728; 800/500-3871; info@royalgorge.com; www.royalgorge.com.

COLORADO

Crested Butte Nordic Center

Gorgeous scenery on 35K groomed trails PLUS endless backcountry to explore.

Crested Butte Nordic Center for winter fun: cross country;, snowshoeing, ice skating and sledding. Colorado mountains, historic mining town, friendly atmosphere. Thanksgiving through Easter. For info: 970/349-1707; For lodging: 800/323-2453; wwwcbnordic.org.

Vista Verde

Romance and adventure await at a secluded Western ranch 25 miles north of Steamboat Springs. 30km of groomed trails, unlimited backcountry in the surrounding National Forest, plus sleigh rides, horseback riding and more. Beautiful log cabins, cozy wood stoves, private hot tubs and fine dining. …